Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has appreciated Bishop Lucius Ugorji for exhibiting great sense of love, dexterity and humility in Service over the years, which has brought immense blessings and development to the people and entire Catholic Community in the Umuahia Diocese and beyond.

Presenting his congratulatory message during the reception held in honour of the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, who clocked 70 at the Jubilee Hall, Matei Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, Sir Oko Chukwu further appreciated God for the Grace granted the Catholic Bishop to attain the golden age of 70 deployed in shepherding the flock of God and prayed for more Grace and good health to enable him excel in his Episcopal calling.

Earlier in his homily at a Special Thanksgiving Service to mark the 70th birthday, the Parish Priest of St Michaels Catholic Church, Ugwunchara, Umuahia, Monsignor Francis Nwaiwu who described the birthday celebration as a period of Thanksgiving to God for gift of life, benevolence as well as the Bishop’s discipleship in the vineyard of God, his friendship, love, encouragement and lively presence in the lives of parishioners in the Diocese and prayed God to grant him more life to continue to impact on the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Monsignor Nwaiwu pointed out that the amazing Grace of God is made manifest in the life of Bishop Lucius Ugorji, having equipped him to among other things revolutionalized pastoral activities in the Diocese, embarked on infrastructural development of the Diocese as well as complimenting Jesus Christ Mission of bringing succour to the needy and less privileged in society through various acts of charity, health care delivery entrepreneurship and spiritual leadership.

Responding, the celebrant and Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, The Most Rev Dr Lucius Ugorji while thanking God for giving him the opportunity to be alife to celebrate his 70th birthday said he is overwhelmed by the goodwill messages from across the world which has strengthened and deepened his faith in God and appreciated all for their show of love and solidarity.

The event which featured presentation of chieftaincy titles on Priest Silver Jubilarians from the Diocese, unveiling and  presentation of a 462 paged book titled “Ugo na Orji; A Festschrift In Honour of The 70th Birthday Anniversary of Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji” edited by Uzochukwu Jude and Ugochukwu Anyanwu and presentation of gifts to the celebrant attracted the presence of the State Head of Service, Sir Onyi Wamah,Top Govt Officials, the Clergy and other distinguished personalities.